CARY
“Kim knows about the wedding,” Cary said as he sipped his drink. He and Vegas sat in the Hilton lounge, which Vegas had rented out for the musicians and crew. Branson shut down early, and with Sebastien no longer around to pinch every penny, Vegas finally had the means to keep everyone happy.
“That’s good, man,” Vegas said, taking a swig of his beer. “I hate keeping secrets from her. Did Tyler say how the showcase went?”
Cary checked his phone. “She texted: ‘straight fire.’ I’m assuming that’s a good thing.”
Vegas chuckled. “Yeah, I’d say so. Still weird not having Kim around.”
“She’ll be back tomorrow,” Cary assured him.
Vegas leaned back, rolling the bottle between his palms. “I can’t believe you’re getting married next week. Any jitters?”
Cary shook his head. “None.”
Vegas raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
Cary smirked. “Seriously.”
Vegas let that hang in the air for a second. “What do your parents think?”
“My dad said, ‘It’s about time,’” Cary said with a snicker. “And my mom? She can’t stop crying.” He exhaled, shaking his head. “Which is why we’re not telling them about the wedding. I don’t trust my mom with her bridge group and an unlimited supply of wine.”
CHAPTER 51
TYLER
Aprofessional knows when to call a professional, so Tyler hired an army of event planners to handle their Canada Day party—also known as their wedding. The biggest challenge was finding a framed tent large enough to accommodate three hundred guests. Fifty from Joe’s side alone had RSVP’d yes.
Cary insisted they spare no expense, claiming their budget was “nonexistent.” What he didn’t know was that Tyler had taken him at his word—but on her own terms. Since he refused to let her pay him back for the Mustang, she funneled her record advance and merch commissions into the wedding instead. She always kept her promises. He really should have known better.
On Canada Day, late in the afternoon, Cary knocked gently on their bedroom door.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice low and full of anticipation.
Tyler took one last look in the mirror, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her hands rested lightly on the gentle curve of her belly as she took a breath. “Ready,” she said, and opened the door.
“Wow.” His jaw dropped, one hand over his heart. “I’m a lucky guy.”
She smiled, a flush rising to her cheeks. “I’m the lucky one, remember?” she said. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
He wore a crisp white shirt and a tailored navy suit, commissioned from the designer who dressed him for the award show. His hair was freshly cut, a little tousled in the front, and he smelled like his favorite cologne. Handsome didn’t quite cover it.
Tyler adjusted the spaghetti straps of her ivory silk slip dress. It clung in all the right places, simple but stunning, with a soft sheen that caught the light when she moved.
“You okay?” Cary asked, picking up on her nerves. “We don’t have to start just yet.”
“I’m good. Just—pregnant and emotional.” She laughed softly and rubbed her stomach. “But I’m really glad the baby gets to be part of this. Even if he won’t remember it.”
“The whole family,” he said, his smile widening. “I like the sound of that.”
Tyler turned and whistled toward the bed. “Rory! Come on, buddy, it’s time!”
Their Shih Tzu barely lifted his head from the comforter, giving her a slow blink like he couldn’t believe she was asking him to move.
“Rory Robertson!” she said with mock sternness.
Cary stepped forward, raising a finger. “I know you’re not changing your name, but our dog is. From this moment forward, he’s Rory Kingston.”
